A constitutional amendment proposal intended to open the door for more land casino action in Kentucky also has the potential to be used to legalise online gambling, according to a report in the Courier-Journal newspaper.

The proposed amendment was filed by House Speaker and Democrat Greg Stumbo Tuesday as HB 584, suggesting that the state constitution provisions on gambling be amended by adding “…nothing in this section shall preclude the General Assembly from authorizing other forms of gaming by general law.”

The proposal requires three-fifths of the votes in both legislative chambers, after which it would be sent to state voters for a referendum asking: “Are you in favour of allowing the General Assembly to pass laws authorizing other forms of gaming?”

Stumbo told the Courier-Journal that he believes his amendment, if voted on now, would get close to the 60 votes needed if not 60. He said he had not discussed his proposal with racetracks or the pro-casino Kentucky Wins! group that includes Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc.